What is Bleaching?
In a bleaching treatment, a mixture of alkaline bleaching powder and hydrogen peroxide (the oxidiser or developer) is applied to the hair. The alkali opens the cuticle layer, the peroxide penetrates the hair shaft and oxidises the melanin pigments so that they lose their colour. How strongly the hair lightens is governed by the developer strength: from around 3 % (10 vol.) for gentle lightening up to 12 % (40 vol.) for maximum power. Before starting, the stylist assesses the starting shade, hair structure and any prior damage – dark or previously coloured hair needs more time or several passes than naturally light hair.
The procedure depends on the chosen technique. In a full-head bleach, the powder is applied strand by strand, and because heat builds up near the scalp the lengths and ends are often treated differently from the roots. With foil highlights or balayage, only part of the hair is lightened, giving a more natural, softer effect and making the regrowing roots less visible. After rinsing, a toner or glaze almost always follows to neutralise yellow or orange tones and dial in the desired blonde – from ash blonde to platinum.
In principle almost any hair type can be bleached, but not every hair tolerates every target brightness in a single appointment. Fine, healthy virgin hair lightens quickly; thick, dark or repeatedly coloured hair, as well as hair with red undertones, is more stubborn and often needs several sessions. Because bleaching opens the cuticle and stresses the structure, the condition of the hair is decisive: heavily damaged hair or hair treated with metallic salts (found in some natural dyes) can break. A reputable stylist therefore carries out a hair analysis and, when in doubt, recommends a gentler, multi-step approach. For root bleaching close to the scalp, a tolerance test is advisable.
Duration varies widely: a root-only bleach takes roughly 45 to 90 minutes, a full-head lightening with toner around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, and elaborate balayage or foil techniques including processing and toning easily 2 to 4 hours. Longevity: the lightening itself is permanent because the pigment stays broken down – what becomes visible is the regrowth, usually after four to eight weeks for full-head blonde. The toner fades faster (about 4–6 weeks), which is why a silver shampoo against brassiness and regular care matter. Aftercare centres on moisture and repair: bond builders (care additives used during the treatment), masks, heat protection and avoiding overly hot styling preserve feel and shine.
As a rough Swiss price guide (no guarantee, depending on region, salon and hair length): root bleach approx. CHF 80–150, full-head bleach incl. toner approx. CHF 130–250, foil highlights approx. CHF 120–250, and balayage on long hair often CHF 180–400 or more. Very long, thick or repeatedly processed hair, as well as premium salons in Zurich, Geneva or Basel, tend to sit at the upper end. On CityHero you can compare the prices of different hairdressers before booking an appointment.